At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in applying for disability benefits and improve their lives.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Citizens Advice, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and support while helping others.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community and develop essential skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a caring attitude and good communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression into Assessor and Adviser roles available.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
This is a rewarding opportunity to support our clients in applying for disability and other essential benefits aimed at reducing poverty and improving lives. As a Disability benefits champion, you will work closely with residents to guide them through the often complex and confusing process of completing various claim forms.
Following the initial Citizens Advice training, you will join a dedicated team, working directly with clients in face-to-face settings to help them access the benefits they are entitled to.
How much time do you need to give? The initial training takes around 1 month if you attend twice a week. We prefer people who can commit to 2 days a week for at least 6 months after completing the initial training.
What do you need to have? No formal qualifications are required – just the right attitude and dedication. We are looking for volunteers who:
- are friendly, caring and empathetic
- are non-judgemental and able to remain impartial
- have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and are good listeners
- pay attention to detail
- are comfortable using computers for training, communications and writing up notes
- can work as part of a diverse team
- can handle challenging situations and use their initiative to solve problems
- will commit to the training programme and continuous professional development
We are keen to encourage volunteers who speak a community language, e.g. Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese, Bengali. You will also need to complete an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us.
What we offer you
- Our Volunteer Coordinator will support you throughout your volunteering journey at CAW and ensure that you get any training that you might need.
- You will join a positive, supportive and friendly team of volunteers and paid staff.
- All our volunteers are an integral part of our team. You will be invited to attend regular training sessions, join social events and support group activities.
- Your line manager will provide regular individual meetings and support.
- You will have access to the national Citizens Advice e-learning, networks and resources.
- Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses.
Progression There may be opportunities to progress into Assessor and Adviser roles. Assessors carry out initial assessments and are trained in the main advice areas. Advisers explore and discuss clients' issues and options in more depth and suggest the next steps. If you are interested in joining the advice team, then you need to be prepared for a longer commitment and training.
Our commitment to inclusion We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ communities. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, and we expect our volunteers and staff to share this commitment.
Confidentiality Everything that you see and hear in the organisation is private. All staff and volunteers must sign an agreement to observe a strict rule of confidentiality before they begin their role.
How to apply You will need to complete the online application form. You can download the role description here. Please email us at volunteering@westminstercab.org.uk if you would like a paper copy of the form.
What happens after I have filled in the application form? Your application will be acknowledged, and we will let you know when you should expect to hear back from us. Once your application has been reviewed and shortlisted, we will contact you for a conversation about your interest in volunteering at CAW. You may be asked to undertake a basic skills assessment and participate in an interview. The process will be friendly and supportive!
If you have any questions about the volunteer roles prior to completing your application please contact volunteering@westminstercab.org.uk.
Disability benefits champion in Westminster employer: Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
Contact Detail:
Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability benefits champion in Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Citizens Advice and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with clients, being able to express yourself clearly and empathetically is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Disability benefits champion. Share specific examples that highlight your caring nature and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started on your volunteering journey. Plus, it shows you're proactive and ready to jump in!
We think you need these skills to ace Disability benefits champion in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about helping others.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, it’s important to keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll get all the necessary information right there. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Disability Benefits Champion. Familiarise yourself with the types of benefits available and the challenges clients face. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role requires a caring and non-judgemental attitude, think of examples from your past where you've shown empathy or helped someone in need. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to the questions being asked and responding thoughtfully. It’s a key skill for the role, so showing that you can listen well will impress your interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. Asking insightful questions shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.